Returning to work in the first year after stroke – experiences from five stakeholder groups

Abstract

Aim: To explore the experiences of stroke survivors and professionals involved in the return to work (RTW) process. Methods: Five focus group interviews with stroke survivors of working age, their employers, professionals from both the health service and from the labour and welfare sector were analysed using Systematic Text Condensation. Findings: Health challenges because of a stroke led to uncertainty about what working day it was realistic to return to. The professionals lacked knowledge about each other's assessment and called for better dialogue. Employers and stroke survivors lacked knowledge about invisible difficulties after a stroke. It was perceived that the current sick pay scheme was not adapted to challenges faced by stroke survivors and their employers. Conclusion: Our findings highlight that work-oriented follow-up after stroke should be better coordinated and individually tailored. It is important to talk about return to work early in the rehabilitation process and to be aware of cognitive and emotional difficulties that can be the result of a stroke.

Keywords

• focus group
• rehabilitation
• return to work
• stroke